Dale Berman

Dale Berman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, passed into eternal life on October 2, 2025, at the age of 91. Dale is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Dale was raised in his early years in the San Gabriel Valley in California, before moving to Sandwich, Illinois, in the fifth grade. He was the youngest of three brothers, Jack and Augie. Dale and his brothers followed their father from Monrovia, California to Sandwich, Newark, and Marseilles before settling in Grand Ridge, Illinois.
Dale met his wife of 67 years, Mary Meyers, at the Zeller Inn in Ottawa, IL. Together they raised four daughters, Michelle (Dan) Hilliard, Nancy (Todd) Zies, Lynn (Ashley) Berman, Kristin (John) Chambers in North Aurora, where he was a community leader the remainder of his life.
Dale was known throughout the Fox Valley for his service to his community and fellow citizens as well as his charisma and the joy he got from spending time with others. He was known as the "Legend" for his accomplishments and commitment to Northern Illinois University and its football program.
After beginning his academic and football career at Northwestern University in Evanston, Dale enlisted with the United States Army, where he served two years with the 33 rd AAA Battalion (1954-1956), before being honorably discharged. With two years of eligibility, a scholarship and GI Bill assistance, Dale became a foundational piece of the NIU football team, earning All-Conference and team MVP honors in 1958. Dale was voted Team Captain for the 1959 season, while also earning another All-Conference accolade.
After graduating from NIU, he turned down a potential tryout with the Chicago Bears to pursue his career in computer systems, starting as a systems engineer and marketing representative for IBM Data Processing Division, before moving to XEROX and finally BRK Electronics, before retiring in 1996.
While serving in the US Army and during his professional career, Dale continued his football life with semi-pro outfits, Aurora Clippers and Elmhurst Travelers. Dale was inducted into the American Football Association semi-pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 2011.
More than anything, Dale was most known in his life for his service to his community, especially North Aurora, as a resident for 62 years. During his time as a North Aurora resident, Dale served in a multitude of roles, most notably serving as North Aurora Village President for 16 years (1985-1989, 2009-2021). He served as a Village Trustee for 14 years (1977-1985, 2003-2009) and as a Fox Valley Park District board member and past president. Dale was a member of many committees throughout the years, serving as chairman for the North Aurora Planning and Police Commissions, and finishing out his community commitment as a member of the Kane County Board, representing District 2, from 2021 until his passing. Dale was awarded for his service to his community as North Auroran of the Year 2013 and most recently presented with the Village's very first Community Challenge Coin for the impact he had on the Village of North Aurora.
Dale was a member of the North Aurora Lions Club for over 50 years, a "Lion of the Year" award winner and past president. He was incredibly proud of his involvement with the Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation Board, Aurora Area Convention & Visitor Bureau Board, Waubonsee Community College Foundation Board, NIU Alumni Board, the North Aurora JCs, and Union Congregational Church of which he was a member for over 60 years.
He adored and cherished his nine grandchildren, Jacob (Kylie), Lucy Hilliard, Bailey, Kennedy Zies, Parker Berman, Summer, Payton Chambers, Mackenzie, and Genevieve Berman, all of whom lived close and were part of his everyday life. Between their school, sports activities, and other life events, Dale and Mary were always there.
Summers were spent cruising Lake Geneva on his Bayliner "Uff Da!", the stern appropriately donned with the Norwegian flag, without fail. There was never a bad day on the lake, reminiscing on life with whoever he was with.
Fall was football season for Dale and his family. After his playing days, Dale was as committed to his university as ever, tailgating all NIU home football games, and many road games, rain or shine, for over 30 years.
Above all, Dale lived for people. He loved his family and community more than anything else. He was truly wherever his feet were planted, living in the moment, soaking in all that life had to offer.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL the family will receive visitors from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL the family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. until the time of service 1 p.m.